District administration officials said that proper security arrangements were in place to avoid escalation of the situation.

Four NSCN (IM) cadres had waylaid a Zunheboto-bound vehicle near Aghuito town and allegedly attempted to rape and molest two female passengers and injured two other male passengers accompanying them in the early hours of December 21.

The Sumi people under the apex district body, Sumi Hoho, held a rally the next day and demanded that the four NSCN(IM) cadres be handed over to the district administration within December 25.

With the deadline passing, the Sumi Hoho, on Saturday launched a ‘Flush out Mission’ and declared non-cooperation with the NSCN(IM), its secretary Vihuto Asumi told PTI.

He said that hundreds of volunteers from all Sumi villages were marching toward the designated camp of NSCN(IM) at Mukali, 30-40 km from Zunheboto town.

He also said that Sumi Hoho leaders tried to pacify the people, but failure by NSCN(IM) to hand over the culprits despite a written assurance within the deadline, angered the people.

Home minister, G Kaito Aye had also tried to pacify the angry people and held consultations with Sumi Hoho leaders in Zunheboto on Friday, but it was in vain. -PTI